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High Pressure Water Pump Buyer's Guide

High pressure water pumps are an essential tool for a variety of applications, from agricultural irrigation to firefighting. These pumps are designed to deliver water at high pressure, allowing for efficient and effective water transfer. 

Benefits of High Pressure Water Pumps

High pressure water pumps offer several benefits over traditional pumps. Firstly, they are capable of delivering water at higher pressures, which makes them ideal for applications such as firefighting, pressure washing, and water transfer. They are also more efficient than traditional pumps, meaning that they require less energy to operate, which can result in cost savings over time.

How High Pressure Water Pumps Work

High pressure water pumps use a variety of mechanisms to increase the pressure of water. One common method is to use a centrifugal pump, which uses an impeller to increase the velocity of water, creating a high-pressure stream. Another method is to use a positive displacement pump, which uses gears, diaphragms, or pistons to increase the pressure of water.

Common Applications and Industries

High pressure water pumps are used in a variety of applications and industries. One of the most common uses is for agricultural irrigation, where high pressure is required to distribute water to crops. They are also used in the firefighting industry, where high pressure is required to deliver water to fires. Additionally, high pressure water pumps are used in pressure washing applications, such as cleaning buildings, vehicles, and machinery. They are also used in the construction industry for drilling and cutting, and in the mining industry for water transfer and dewatering.

  • Cleaning: High pressure water pumps are often used for cleaning a variety of surfaces, such as cars, boats, and windows.
  • Cutting: High pressure water pumps can be used to cut a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and concrete.
  • Drilling: High pressure water pumps can be used to drill holes in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and concrete.
  • Graffiti removal: High pressure water pumps can be used to remove graffiti from a variety of surfaces, such as walls, buildings, and vehicles.
  • Firefighting: High pressure water pumps can be used to fight fires by knocking down flames and cooling hot surfaces.
  • Agriculture: High pressure water pumps can be used for a variety of agricultural applications, such as irrigation, weed control, and pest control.
  • Industry: High pressure water pumps are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as cleaning, cutting, and drilling.

High pressure water pumps are a valuable tool for a variety of applications and industries, from agricultural irrigation to firefighting. They offer several benefits over traditional pumps, including higher efficiency and the ability to deliver water at higher pressures. When purchasing a high pressure water pump, it is important to consider the specific application and industry requirements, as well as the pump's performance specifications and energy efficiency. With careful consideration and selection, a high pressure water pump can provide a reliable and efficient solution for your water transfer needs.

Recommended High Pressure Water Pumps

IPT Gorman-Rupp High Pressure Fire Pump - 2P5XHR

The IPT 2P5XHR water pump is designed for various applications such as soil conditioning, fire protection, and irrigation. Its features include a cast-aluminum housing and wear parts, along with a Honda GX160 4.8 HP gas engine that comes with a 3-year warranty. The pump has a 2-inch cast-iron discharge port which can rotate in 90-degree increments, and can discharge a maximum of 7200 gallons of water per hour with a maximum pressure of 93 PSI. Additionally, the pump is built with a tubular steel roll bar frame for durability and stability. Other notable features include a low engine shutdown, EPDM/EPR mechanical seal, and back flow check valve, making it a reliable choice for high-pressure water pumping needs.

 

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AMT Self-Priming High Pressure Pump - 4802-95

The AMT by Gorman Rupp 2" Self Priming High Pressure Pumps are designed to be efficient self-priming high pressure booster pumps with a two-stage impeller design to provide additional pressure. The pump features a cast iron construction with aluminum impeller and Viton Mechanical Seals that make it durable and long-lasting. A built-in EPR/EPDM check valve for fast priming also comes standard, along with fill and drain plugs for easy installation and servicing. This 4802-95 model is capable of self-priming up to 20 feet and can be used in a wide variety of high-pressure applications such as dewatering, sprinkler/booster, irrigation, and fire protection. The pump is close coupled to a 7.5 horsepower TEFC electric motor, making it an ideal choice for high-pressure water pumping needs.

 

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CET Fire Pumps High Pressure Pump - PFP-20HPHND-MR

The CET PFP-20HP-HND-MR is a reliable and high-performance water pump designed for a range of applications, including fire fighting, dust control, wash down, and soil conditioning. It features an aluminum alloy housing and bronze impeller that make it durable and long-lasting. The pump has a 2.5 inch suction inlet and 1.5 inch discharge outlet ports (threaded Male NPT) for efficient water pumping. This water pump is powered by a Honda 20 HP, electric start gasoline engine that comes with a 3-year warranty, making it a reliable choice for high-pressure water pumping needs. The pump has a maximum discharge capacity of 18,000 gallons per hour (300 gallons per minute), a maximum pressure of 205 PSI, and a maximum total head of 473 feet (based on water at 70F).

 

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Trash vs. Semi-Trash Water Pumps

Water pumps are a critical resource for a variety of applications including irrigation, dewatering, flood control, and more. When small to large debris needs to be removed from an area, a trash or semi-trash pump will get the job done. Trash pumps are designed to handle debris and solids, while semi-trash pumps are designed to handle smaller debris. Read on to learn more about the difference and benefits of trash and semi-trash water pumps.

Benefits of Trash Pumps

Trash pumps are designed to handle solids, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. They can handle debris such as rocks, sticks, and other large objects that would clog or damage other types of water pumps. Trash pumps are also designed to be durable, with heavy-duty components that can withstand harsh environments. They are commonly used in construction, mining, and agricultural applications.

Benefits of Semi-Trash Pumps

Semi-trash pumps are designed to handle smaller debris such as sand and silt, making them ideal for applications where debris is present but not as heavy as in trash pump applications. They are more efficient than trash pumps, as they require less power to move water. They are also typically less expensive and easier to maintain than trash pumps. Semi-trash pumps are commonly used in irrigation, dewatering, and swimming pool applications.

Mechanics of a Trash Pump

Trash pumps have an impeller with a large volute that can handle large debris. The impeller rotates, creating a vacuum that draws water and debris into the pump. As the water and debris move through the volute, the centrifugal force separates the solids from the water. The solids are then discharged through a large outlet, while the water is discharged through a smaller outlet.

Mechanics of a Semi-Trash Pump

Semi-trash pumps have a smaller impeller and volute than trash pumps, allowing them to handle smaller debris. The impeller rotates, creating a vacuum that draws water and debris into the pump. As the water and debris move through the volute, the smaller debris is separated from the water. The smaller debris is then discharged through a larger outlet, while the water is discharged through a smaller outlet.

Applications + Industries

Trash pumps are commonly used in heavy-duty applications such as construction, mining, and agricultural irrigation. They are also used in emergency response situations, such as flood control and disaster relief efforts. Semi-trash pumps are commonly used in irrigation, dewatering, and swimming pool applications. They are also used in smaller construction and landscaping projects.

While trash pumps are ideal for heavy-duty applications where large debris is present, semi-trash pumps are better suited for smaller debris. Both types of pumps have their benefits, and it is important to consider factors such as cost, efficiency, and the type of debris present when choosing a water pump for your specific needs.

AMT Self-Priming Sewage Trash Pump

The AMT 394G-95 water pump is built to withstand abrasion with its cast iron construction. It features a 7.5 HP, Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled, 3-Phase electric motor with a stainless steel shaft and shaft sleeve. The self-cleaning, clog resistant two vane stainless steel impeller ensures efficient operation. Additionally, the pump comes equipped with a front cleanout for quick cleaning and maintenance, as well as a seal flush port. This pump is ideal for industrial and municipal applications such as chemical processing, sewage treatment, and waste water. It can discharge 20,400 gallons of water in one hour and can handle solid content up to 1.5 inches.

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AMT Gorman-Rupp Diesel Trash Pump 

The AMT by Gorman-Rupp 6 inch skid mounted trash pump is an industrial and contractor grade machine that is built to last. Powered by a Kohler 23.4 horsepower, electric start, diesel engine, this pump can move an impressive 60,000 gallons of dirty water per hour. The extra-large 20-gallon metal fuel tank allows the pump to run continuously for up to 12 hours before refueling. With a 6 inch cast iron NPT inlet and outlet ports, this pump can safely handle water with extra-large solid content up to 3 inches in diameter. The durable cast aluminum housing is designed to protect the pump and engine under extreme conditions.

Shop AMT 5587-D6 Trash Pump >> 

AMT Self-Priming Semi-Trash Pump

The AMT 4871-95 is a strong self-priming pump that features durable cast iron construction. It is powered by a 10 HP, 3-phase electric motor that is totally enclosed and fan cooled, with a stainless steel shaft and shaft sleeve. The pump also includes a self-cleaning, semi-open, stainless steel impeller, and a dual volute design that helps reduce radial load on the motor. The full load amps are 26/13. An optional mounting base and silicon carbide seal kit are available to be installed prior to shipping. Designed for high volume applications such as drainage, liquid transfer, and irrigation, this pump can discharge up to 31,200 gallons of water per hour, with solid handling capabilities up to 1/2 inch. For ease of hose connections and prevention of vapor binding, the pump has a centerline discharge feature.

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AMT Self-Priming Semi-Trash Pump

The AMT 4872-95 is a powerful and sturdy self-priming pump that is built to handle high-volume applications like drainage, liquid transfer, and irrigation. This pump is constructed with strong cast iron and features a 15 HP, Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled, 3-phase electric motor with a stainless steel shaft and shaft sleeve. It also boasts a self-cleaning, semi-open, stainless steel impeller and a dual volute design that helps reduce radial load on the motor. The pump has full load amps of 36/18 and an optional mounting base is available for convenience. Additionally, an optional Silicon Carbide Seal kit can be installed prior to shipping. With a high discharge rate of 39,600 gallons per hour and the ability to handle solid content up to 1/2 inch, this pump is an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications. For added convenience, the pump features a centerline discharge to prevent vapor binding and make hose connections easier.

Shop AMT 4872-95 Semi-Trash Pump >> 

Centrifugal Pump Buyer's Guide

Centrifugal water pumps are a versatile and reliable type of pump that can be used in a variety of applications. From industrial processes to residential plumbing, centrifugal water pumps can provide the necessary force or pressure to move liquids from one place to another. Whether it be for your business, garden, home or elsewhere, you can rely on these pumps to get the job done.


Ideal for pumping large volumes of water quickly and efficiently, centrifugal water pumps are perfect for irrigation systems, water supply systems, firefighting systems, and more. Centrifugal pumps also have the advantage of being relatively low-maintenance and easy to install, making them an attractive option for many businesses. In addition, these pumps are often more cost-effective than other types of pumps. With these advantages in mind, it is clear why centrifugal water pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses looking to increase their efficiency and reduce their costs.

Mechanics of Centrifugal Water Pumps

A centrifugal water pump is a device that uses centrifugal force to move water from one place to another. It works by using an impeller, which is a rotating wheel with blades, to create a vacuum in the pump housing. This vacuum then draws water into the impeller and pushes it out of the pump housing at high speeds.

Agricultural Uses for Centrifugal Water Pumps

Centrifugal water pumps are becoming increasingly popular in agricultural operations due to their ability to move large volumes of water quickly and efficiently. These pumps are used for a variety of tasks, including irrigation, drainage, and supplying water for livestock. They can be used to pump water from wells, rivers, lakes, and other sources into storage tanks or directly into fields. Centrifugal pumps are also often used to provide pressure for sprinkler systems and drip irrigation systems. The use of centrifugal water pumps in agricultural operations can help farmers save time and money while improving crop yields.

Industrial Uses for Centrifugal Water Pumps

Centrifugal water pumps are an essential tool in many industrial operations, providing a reliable source of pressurized water for a variety of applications. From cooling systems to fire suppression, centrifugal water pumps can be used to move large volumes of water at high pressures. In addition, centrifugal pumps are often used in wastewater treatment plants and other facilities that require the transfer of large amounts of liquid. With their ability to generate high pressure and flow rates, centrifugal pumps are an invaluable tool in many industrial operations.

Municipal Uses for Centrifugal Water Pumps

Centrifugal water pumps are an important part of municipal operations, including the distribution of drinking water, irrigation systems, sewage treatment plants, and flood control systems. With their high efficiency and low maintenance requirements, centrifugal water pumps have become invaluable tools for municipalities around the world.

Agricultural Irrigation Water Pumps

Each agricultural operation has its own irrigation system that keeps crop-filled fields healthy, and for most irrigation systems, water pumps keep those systems running smoothly. Often an interconnected system with both equipment and the natural landscape, water pumps work in conjunction with sprinklers, hoses, drip irrigation systems and more, but they also require a well, river, pond, or other water source for power.

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Trash Pump Buyer's Guide

Moving sludgy, debris-filled water doesn’t need to pose an obstacle when you have a trash pump ready to go. Designed to handle debris like sticks, mud, leaves, stones, and other solids, trash pumps are a critical, heavy-duty tool for a variety of industries that require high flow rates including agriculture, construction, flood control, petrochemical, oil and gas, and more.

Mechanics of a Trash Pump

Designed to move large amounts of water containing both hard and soft materials, a trash pump is a heavy-duty, portable centrifugal pump with deeper impeller veins and larger discharge openings than other pump types. Made from multiple materials including aluminum, stainless steel, steel, and cast iron, a trash pump functions with a low pressure area inside the pump cavity to suck in contaminated water. The centrifugal force of the impeller blades separates debris from filtered water, and as the debris moves toward the central hub, water moves toward the volute casing. These movements help to create the energy the pump needs to transfer the fluids at hand, and cleaning the area of unwanted debris.

Benefits & Uses of Trash Pumps

The benefit a trash pump is in its name: when other pumps can’t handle the debris, a trash pump can—and at hundreds and even thousands of gallons per minute. Designed to handle larger debris than a semi-trash pump, these pumps can pass pebbles, stones, leaves, twigs, and other debris that measures .75-1.25” in diameter. In order to select the right trash pump, you’ll need to determine what type of solids and the size of debris that needs moving ahead of time. The hose of the trash pump should measure twice the size as the solids that will pass through it.

Trash Pump Applications

Because of its heavy-duty construction, a trash pump finds purpose in a wide variety of industries including:

  • Refineries

  • Oil waste
  • Mining
  • Automotive
  • Dust suppression
  • Dewatering gravel pits
  • Stream or creek river diversion
  • Flood control
  • Agriculture
  • Residential and industrial construction
  • Wastewater treatments
  • Municipal solids handling
  • Slurries
  • Sump pumps
  • Oil and gas operations
  • Pipelines
  • Excavations

Recommended Trash Pumps

AMT 3994-96 Trash Pump 

The AMT 3994-96 is a professional grade trash pump that is ideal for high volume dewatering applications like pond draining. Features include low oil shutdown, removable impeller and volute, silicon carbide/Viton seal, check valve, quick clean out, solid handling to 2 inches, electric start gas engine with 3 year warranty, sand cast aluminum housing with cast-iron wear parts, and a wheel kit for portability. 

Multiquip QP4TH Trash Pump 

Built for tough jobs, this 4 inch dewatering unit is perfect for professional contractors. Features a reliable, easy-start Honda 10.7 HP engine that can move nearly 400,000 gallons of dirty water in a 12 hour work day, durability and portability enhanced by tubular steel frame with four handles, 2 4-inch discharge ports to improve speed, adaptability, and efficiency, 92 foot maximum head, 3 year engine and 2 year pump warranty. Moves 555 gallons per minute. 

Gorman-Rupp 12D1-GX160 Trash Pump

The Gorman-Rupp 12D1-GX160 is a Honda-powered pump with a 120 foot max head ideal for construction and agricultural use. This pump features cast aluminum construction with a Viton/silicon carbide seal for abrasion resistance and longer life, solid handling to 1inch in diameter, replaceable ductile iron impeller and steel wear plate, a max discharge of 10,920 gallons per hour, and a durable 4.8 HP Honda engine. 

Diaphragm Pump Buyer's Guide

Diaphragm pumps are an excellent water pump option for industries requiring the movement of harsh, corrosive, and highly-viscous fluids. Designed for both low-pressure and high-pressure applications, diaphragm pumps use the up-and-down movement of an elastic, cupped surface to generate liquid flow.

Mechanics of a Diaphragm Water Pump 

These self-priming pumps use an up-and-down movement of a surface, typically made of PTFE, Teflon, or synthetic rubber, to generate liquid flow. When the pump’s surface pushes into the liquid at hand, the pump adds pressure and displaces a certain amount of said fluid. Pulling back from the liquid, the diaphragm pump draws in more fluid.

Benefits and Uses of Diaphragm Water Pumps

Compared to other styles of water pumps, a diaphragm water pump is capable of handling highly viscous materials without the same risk of the equipment breaking down. Widely used across a variety of industry, diaphragm water pumps can be used to meter, dose, and transfer liquids, and without tubing, the pump won’t break down due to corrosion. In addition to harsh chemicals, these positive displacement pumps, or membrane pumps, are also ideal for moving acids and concretes.

Common Applications for Diaphragm Pumps 

  • Powders

  • Latex
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Lacquers
  • Adhesives
  • Varnishes
  • Paints
  • Greases
  • Mud
  • Sewage
  • Sludge

Most wear on a diaphragm pump will be caused by the transported fluid rather than the action of the pump, resulting in a longer lifespan compared to other styles of water pumps. Another benefit of diaphragm pumps is their ability to run dry for long periods of time without damage to the equipment.

Advantages of Using a Diaphragm Water Pump 

  • Lower price point
  • Changeable flow rate/expulsion pressure
  • Portable
  • Energy-efficient
  • Long life and long-term operation
  • Highly effective at handling chemicals and harmful fluids
  • Explosion proof
  • Self-priming
  • Easy installation

Recommended Diaphragm Water Pumps 

AMT Gorman-Rupp 337E-96 Electric Diaphragm Pump


The AMT 337E-96 diaphragm trash pump is designed to move thick liquids like sewage and sludge. Featuring a heavy-duty 2-stage forced gear driven transmission that operates at 40 strokes per minute, modular component design for easy maintenance and clean out, 3” inlet/outlet diameter with discharge capacity of 3,480 gallons per hour, solid handling up to 1.625 inches, and included wheel kit and handle.

 

 

All-Flo A050-SPP-GGPN-S70 Double Diaphragm Pump


This double diaphragm pump from All-Flo features a 1/4” air inlet, 1/2” liquid inlet/outlet, a maximum airflow of 17 GPM, 120 PSI maximum air pressure, solid handling up to 1/8”, max dry suction lift of 15 feet, max wet suction lift of 26 feet, and a max temperature of 150 degrees F.

 

 

AMT Gorman-Rupp 338G-96 Gasoline Diaphragm Pump


Designed to move thick liquids like sewage and mud, the 338G-96 model from AMT Gorman-Rupp features a heavy-duty 2-stage forged gear driven transmission that operates at 60 strokes per minute, 90 degree rotatable base, sand cast aluminum housing, a Honda GX120 3.5 HP gas engine, solid handling up to 1.25 inches, and a 2” inlet/outlet diameter with a discharge capacity of 3,000 gallons per hour.

 

 

Submersible Pump Buyer's Guide

Submersible water pumps are an excellent tool for contractors, industrial operations, commercial operations, and homeowners in need of portable dewatering capabilities. Operated by hermetically sealed motors, these pumps are used–as their name suggests–to pump out the liquid from which they're fully submerged. 

Mechanics of a Submersible Water Pump

Like a centrifugal pump, a submersible water pump consists primarily of a casing and an impeller. The sealed motor drives the impeller to draw water up into the pump. The force of the spinning impeller against the casing sends the water around and out of the pump, up a pipe or hose, and out onto the surface. 

Benefits and Uses of Submersible Water Pumps

Submersible pumps help avoid pump cavitation issues, which is what happens when the pump begins to form bubbles of vapor and inhibit the proper functioning of your water pump. Since these pumps are completely submerged, pump cavitation is avoided, and your water pump can function without interruption. While sump pumps are often the most recognizable of submersible pumps, they're not the only time this pump type is used–most often, a submersible pump is used for water treatment and petroleum applications, as well as widespread use on construction sites. 

Other applications for submersible water pumps include: 

  • Deep wells
  • Areas where quiet pumping is necessary
  • Applications where a traditional pump's motor might be damaged by contaminated water
  • Locations with limited space
  • Agricultural operations
  • Areas prone to flooding

However, you'll want to avoid submersible water pumps in these situations: 

  • Highly corrosive environments
  • Excessively high liquid temperatures
  • Highly abrasive liquid conditions
  • If the fluid contains solids or contaminants of excessive diameter

Submersible water pumps are more effective than engine and electric driven centrifugal pumps for applications that require water to be pumped from depths greater than 25 feet or more. The suction lift of an engine or electric driven centrifugal pump is at most 25-28 feet, whereas a submersible water pump is capable of pushing fluids vertically to the discharge point with a head measuring of 50 and even up to 150 feet. 

Recommended Submersible Water Pumps

Multiquip ST2037 Submersible Water Pump

This powerful, rugged, and low-maintenance submersible pump moves up to 73 gallons per minute with a standard 2-inch outlet and 2-inch impeller disc. Dewatering flat surfaces up to 1/2-inch levels, this compact yet durable 31-pound build is easy to store, transport, and put to work as needed. Featuring rugged pump housing, automatic thermo-overload protection, no-prime operation, and double mechanical oil-filled seal.

AMT by Gorman Rupp 5981-95 Submersible Water Pump

This industrial grade dewatering pump is designed for applications including flooded basements, agriculture irrigation, and construction draining. AMT's 5981-95 has a discharge rate of 4,920 gallons of water per hour as well as 2-inch NPT output port with a max head of 51 feet, and features a clog resistant impeller, double ceramic-carbon mechanical seal, cast iron construction with stainless steel housing, automatic thermal overload protection, and a carry handle for portability. 

AMT by Gorman Rupp 5983-95 Submersible Water Pump 

A high-volume, industrial grade dewatering pump, the 5983-95 from AMT by Gorman Rupp has a discharge rate of 10,200 gallons of water per hour. Ideal for applications such as waste water treatments, agriculture irrigation, and construction draining. Featuring a clog resistant impeller, double ceramic-carbon mechanical seal, cast iron construction with stainless steel housing, electric motor, automatic thermal overload protection, a 3-inch NPT output pour with a max head of 35 feet, and a carry handle for portability. 

Air Operated Diaphragm Pump - Troubleshooting Guide

Popular for oil and petroleum, petrochemical, mining, and construction industries, air-operated double diaphragm pumps use compressed air, lowering operational and maintenance costs while still providing high-quality water flow. But out at the jobsite, an air-operated double diaphragm pump not working the way you expect it to, or not functioning at all, takes time away from the job. And taking the pump in for servicing, or placing an order for new parts, or worse, a replacement pump will take even more time. Before you go out with the old and in with the new, follow our air-operated double diaphragm pump troubleshooting guide, and save yourself some time (and money). 

Troubleshooting Three Common Misapplications of Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps

Misapplication One: New facility, new piping, new air lines, new pump

Let's suppose that your facility or plant is completely new. You installed new piping, new air lines, a new compressor, new dryer, and you even made sure to include filter/regulators on the air lines. In addition, you purchased all new All-Flo pumps. But after the first few days, one pump begins to slow in performance, and quits working by the end of the week. 

The Fix: On a whim, you decide to take off the air valve section, and to your surprise, it's already clogged. Were your air lines blown out after installation? Many contractors often wait to blow out lines until they're done installing, and as it's last on the last, the step often goes forgotten. Dust and small debris can easily find their way into pipes and lines in a new plant, leading to clogged air valves and decreased performance in a new setup. Purchasing a new Air End Kit–after blowing out the open lines– will prevent any downtime if there's a next time for this particular pump issue. 

Misapplication Two: Pumping abrasives on a new All-Flo pump

Your plant has converted from Wilden or Yamada air-operated diaphragm pumps over to All-Flo water pumps. The 1.5" Wilden AODD was working, but it had a higher energy consumption and the total cost of ownership was increasing. Now your plant has 1.5" stainless steel All-Flo AODD pumps. The fluid you're pumping is highly abrasive and caustic, but didn't cause any issues with your previous Wilden pump, but since installing the new All-Flo pump, you're noticing a decrease in performance. 

Let's get even more specific. Your old Wilden pump achieved 120 GPM at 80 PSIG, but you wanted increased efficiency, so you decided to switch to All-Flo. With the new All-Flo pump, you started out with 155 GPM at 80 PSIG, until the recent plummet in flow. The pump is also making a knocking, clanking sound mi-stroke, and sounds a bit off-kilter or asymmetric, but not all the time. 

The Fix: Remove the upper manifold and inspect the ball valves. After shutting off the air, close the fluid suction valve and slightly open the air valve to flush out any fluid. After, immediately close the valve so you can disassemble the pump. After disassembly, you might notice that the balls and seats are disfigured, thus not sealing properly. In particular, one ball is considerably smaller, showing signs of corrosive decay. Although the balls are made of PTFE, the increase in fluid velocity/flow rate can cause abrasive fluids to be exponentially more caustic. To keep your All-Flo pump operating at its highest performance, turn down your flow rate to mitigate the problem (after purchasing replacement balls and seats). You can decrease your flow rate by decreasing the air pressure from a filter/regulator with an automatic drain set to a specific PSIG (which will decrease your CFM consumption rate), or by closing the suction valve slightly to decrease fluid velocity. 

Misapplication Three: Condensation in diaphragm water pump air lines 

Your All-Flo pump is working just fine all morning, but around noon, the pump is only pumping half the flow rate as before, and making a strange hissing sound. The pump is also causing more vibration with the pump than normal. Even though the pump line is the farthest away from your compressor, it shouldn't cause an issue because you're using a dryer in addition to the compressor. 

The Fix: Remove the muffler for inspection. Even though you have a dryer on your air lines, the distance may be causing condensation in the air lines. Sometimes this distance can be quite high, five miles even! Once you inspect the muffler, you see that there's ice inside. Install a filter/regulator with an automatic drain on each air line feeding into your air-operated double diaphragm pump, and make sure to have compressors and dryers close by. As a minimum rule of thumb, the compressor and dryers should be located within the same building. 

Not all problems are easy to diagnose and repair, but 90% of the regular issues we've experienced with air-operated diaphragm pumps fall into one of these three misapplication categories. The first step of any troubleshooting process? Take a moment to consider which variables might have changed since your last successful application, and start your troubleshooting from there. 

Shop all All-Flo Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps >> 

How to Winterize Your Water Pump

Freezing temperatures in the winter months pose a considerable but entirely avoidable hazard to your water pump. Before the weather gets too cold and water begins to freeze, it's important for water pump owners to take precautions that ensure the proper operation of irrigation pumps, fountain and pond pumps, well pumps, and centrifugal pumps come warmer seasons. During the winter months, temperatures often drop below freezing, and despite the strength and power of your water pump, the frozen water will be quick to crack the casing on your equipment. Rather than leaving your water pumps to brave the winter weather on their own, winterizing your water pump is a surefire way to protect your equipment all season long. 

Winterize Your Water Pump

Winterizing your water pump is surprisingly simple, and only takes a few minutes to complete. A few minutes of work now is better than discovering costly maintenance issues, or worse, the need for a brand new water pump come spring, right? 

Drain and Store

Water pumps in shallow or surface level areas must be winterized for cold weather. Pond and foundation pumps, pool pumps, and irrigation systems must all be drained, and should never be allowed to freeze. In cold weather areas, draining and winterizing an above-ground water system is common sense, but in normally warmer southern states, water pump operators might be more easily caught off guard with a surprise overnight freeze. 

When you're dealing with a jet or centrifugal pump that you're not going to use for a few months, draining the system and moving the pump to a warmer location is the best solution. 

How to Drain the Pump's System 

To drain the pump, remove the drain plug on top of the pump case, or open a faucet. This allows air into the pump body. Then, remove the drain plug on the bottom of the pump case. This allows the water to flow through and out of the pump body. After you've drained the pump, there will still be a bit of remaining water that's stuck in the suction and discharge pipes. Use an air compressor to blow out the excess water.

Running Water

Water will expand as it freezes, and without the space to handle extra volume, the ice will eventually break inside the pump or its piping. In year-round homes, well pumps can often sit idle for long enough that water may freeze solid. If temperatures drop and remain very cold for an extended period of time, allowing a small amount of water to run continuously through above-ground water systems, plumbing, or pump equipment until temperatures rise again can prevent freezing while potentially saving you thousands of dollars in future maintenance or repairs.

Final Steps

To completely protect your water pump against any water that might remain inside the casing even after draining, you'll want to fill the pump body with food-grade polypropylene glycol. Make sure to never use ethylene glycol (or RV anti-freeze) in your water pump as it is extremely dangerous. Insert the bottom drain plug, pour in the propylene glycol through the top port, and reinsert the top drain plug. 

Do All Water Pumps Need to be Winterized?

Water system motors that are used in wells, fountains, and aerators are typically filled with a water based solution. In a deep well, you generally won't need to worry about the motor freezing; however, in fountains or ponds, you'll still need to protect your water pump. If you do choose to remove the pump, store the motor somewhere that it will be completely protected from freezing. Another winter storage option for pond, fountain, and aerator pumps is to sink or weigh the motor to the deepest possible level, ensuring that the motor is placed well below the lowest freeze level.

In the spring, simply complete these steps in reverse order to get your water pump up and running. If required, don't forget to re-prime your water pump. Still have questions about water pump maintenance, or what the best water pump is for your operation? Contact an Absolute Water Pumps specialist today. 

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